A British Soldier’s Perspective on Fighting Against the IRA

As a British soldier stationed in Northern Ireland, my experience was quite different from what is commonly portrayed in mainstream media. From my perspective, the reality of the situation was much more complex and challenging than what is often suggested.

The Reality on the Ground

As a civilian, my interactions with British officers at checkpoints provided deep insights into their feelings about the situation they were in. Many of them expressed a strong aversion to being involved in the policing role, highlighting that their work was often danger-filled and emotionally draining.

Our unit, based in West Belfast, was situated between the Catholic Lower Falls area and the Protestant Shankill Road, two communities with a long history of tension. Despite the volatile environment, our company commander initiated a "Hearts and Minds" operation in the Lower Falls shortly after the notorious Falls Road curfew. Our role was to assist residents with vehicle issues, entering the area unarmed with only tool boxes, a radio, and a Land Rover. This operation was met with such enthusiasm that it set a positive tone for future interactions between the local community and armed patrols.

The Importance of Training

One of the most crucial aspects of our role was comprehensive training. From the moment we arrived, it was drilled into us that every possible scenario—from encountering gunfire to dealing with bombs and hostile crowds—was one where training would take over. This training was invaluable, ensuring that soldiers knew exactly what to do in high-pressure situations.

Though fear was normal, it was imperative that soldiers did not let their fear paralyze them. Instead, the training allowed soldiers to maintain composure and effectively handle any situation. Throughout my four tours, I faced numerous incidents, yet I never felt truly scared. I admit I was apprehensive, but petrified? No.

As a child, I grew up in Belfast during a time of great turmoil. The experiences of the elder generation shaped me, and while I condemn the behavior of all parties involved, I understand the emotions of those caught in the conflict. Despite the training, soldiers, especially those unfamiliar with the history and situation, were likely to be extremely nervous every time they left their barracks.

Complexities of the Conflict

A South Irish republican, it is crucial to highlight the complexities of the conflict. Most of the fighting was between various paramilitary groups, rather than the IRA and the entire British state. The IRA, often a guerrilla force, was not frequently encountered until it was too late. The British Army struggled with identifying IRA members, which led to incidents of shooting civilians. Militias like the UVF and UDA also participated in the conflict, and the British Army often showed favoritism to unionist communities while treating nationalist communities as enemies. Additionally, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) and Royal Scots Constabulary (RSC) were known to supply unionist paramilitaries, and the Irish Army trained and supplied the Provisional IRA in the early years of the conflict.

The decade of the 1970s was particularly violent, followed by a more intense period in the 1980s. By the 1990s, the conflict began to wane, but the issues remained. The British Army, for the most part, was unaware of the deep-seated issues and the complex nature of the situation. Northern Ireland was a highly segregated state, and discrimination against nationalists by the government was rampant, fueling the initial protests at RUC barracks. These protests eventually turned into violent confrontations, and the IRA became increasingly involved, leading to the deployment of the British Army.

Conclusion

The Troubles were an incredibly complex and tragic conflict. The soldiers involved, far from geniuses, were simply doing their duty in a historically charged environment. Understanding and sympathizing with these soldiers is crucial, as they were often unaware of the broader context of the conflict. The lessons learned from this experience continue to shape modern peacekeeping and military operations.